After 10 consecutive runaway victories, Michigan lastly seemed human in Tuesday’s 74-72 grinder win over Huge Ten cellar-dweller Penn State. Dusty Could’s No. 2-ranked Wolverines exited Pleased Valley with a blemish-free file, however a useful reminder that convention play is totally different.
Wisconsin skitters into Ann Arbor on Saturday to try to do what nobody has accomplished: push the Wolverines at Crisler. Michigan has performed seven video games at residence this season. Here is how they’ve gone:
Pure, uncooked dominance.
The place to observe Michigan vs. Wisconsin reside
Date: Saturday, Jan. 10 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Crisler Middle — Ann Arbor, Michigan
TV: CBS | Stay stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports activities App
Streaming on Paramount+ Premium
Michigan vs. Wisconsin: Have to know
Will Wisconsin decelerate this Michigan transition assault? Traditionally, Wisconsin has been terrific at limiting transition buckets beneath the Bo Ryan-Greg Gard braintrust. That hasn’t been the case this 12 months. The Badgers gave up 16 transition factors to UCLA, 26 to Marquette and even 17 to Ball State. Now, they get to face arguably the most effective transition offense in all of faculty basketball. Michigan has scored 17 or extra transition factors in 12 of 14 video games this 12 months. The push-ahead passes and exact ball motion type a cheat code. If Michigan cracks 17+ transition factors once more, Wisconsin is in sizzling water.
John Blackwell in opposition to Michigan’s switches: Michigan has constructed a terrific defensive staff as a result of it has so many defenders who’re as much as the problem of shadowing stars. Could has felt comfy instituting a switch-heavy protection as a result of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson, Elliot Cadeau, Roddy Gayle, Nimari Burnett and so many others are so comfy defending on the perimeter. Blackwell is without doubt one of the premier scorers within the Huge Ten, however although the counting stats look scorching (17.4 factors, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists), he hasn’t been buzzing on the degree many anticipated when John Tonje departed. Blackwell is taking pictures simply 23% (7-for-30) from downtown throughout 4 Huge Ten video games. he will not keep within the stoop for for much longer, and Michigan certain would not wish to really feel the wrath of a Blackwell eruption. The 6-4, 203-pound guard is so large, robust and adept at drawing fouls when he can reject screens and get downhill, so every perimeter defender could have their fingers full. The great factor for Michigan is that they have a cavalry of various choices to throw at Blackwell.
It is Winter time: Nolan Winter is just not Wisconsin’s finest participant, however he could also be a very powerful. Towards top-100 groups, Wisconsin has an abhorrent -49.8 web ranking when Winter is just not within the recreation, per hoop-explorer. The offense will get means worse. The protection drops off the stratosphere. The 7-foot, 235-pound junior generally is a actual weapon on this recreation together with his pick-and-pop prowess and mobility. Michigan’s entrance line is overwhelming, and Wisconsin has little shot to carry serve if Winter cannot be an element.
Michigan vs. Wisconsin prediction, picks
You want wonderful particular person guard play to hold with Michigan as a result of it does such job of shrinking the ground and forcing groups to play low-value, isolation basketball. Wisconsin can do this. Nick Boyd and Blackwell are each comfy one-on-one shot-creators who might want to have main showings to remain in contact on the highway. The Badgers have been battered by bodily groups like Villanova, Purdue, TCU and BYU, however they punched again earlier this week with an eight-point win over UCLA and confirmed a bit extra vinegar.
Michigan has been an all-time dominant staff up to now, however it may very well be a contact overvalued available in the market proper now. You simply do not see a ton of 20-point blowouts in Huge Ten play over the previous few seasons. This league is just too well-scouted and tendencies are scrutinized. I believe the Badgers can unequivocally hold on this one as a result of their guard play could be dynamic. Choose: Wisconsin +19.5
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